Tom Cruise in 'Edge of Tomorrow' puts together an ideal blend of arrogant bravado and self-deprecating wit

Sci-fi thriller 'Edge of Tomorrow' is a reminder of how good Tom Cruise can be in the right role

Watching the very entertaining sci-fi thriller "Edge of Tomorrow," with its "Groundhog Day" rewind-replay conceit applied to a space alien invasion rather than romance, I was reminded of how good Tom Cruise can be in the right role. For an A-list actor with steady work in big-budget projects, Cruise hasn't fallen on hard times exactly. But breakout hits have been hard to come by as the 52-year-old has gotten deeper into middle age. The last truly good Cruise movie was 2011's "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol," and the off years have clearly taken a toll. Though critics embraced "Edge"— and indeed its smart, wry, tightly coiled action makes for a great ride — audiences aren't flocking to see it. If you've been resisting, reconsider. Cruise's Lt. Col. Cage is right in the actor's wheelhouse: an ideal blend of arrogant bravado and self-deprecating wit as a military marketing specialist trying to avoid the frontlines. Co-star Emily Blunt's headstrong warrior is a good counterpoint, willing to kill him day after day until he gets it right. Cruise has gotten it right in "Edge." Hopefully, like Cage, he'll remember why.

Just when you were ready to give up on the summer season and its cookie-cutter, been-there blockbusters, "Edge of Tomorrow" saves the day. It's a star-driven mass-market entertainment that's smart, exciting and unexpected while not stinting on genre satisfactions.

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